D-Link DIR-860L router review

The DIR-860L is a popular router model from D-Link. Many users have given it positive reviews. You can connect supported USB devices to the router. D-Link has a history of introducing innovative features and technologies into their products.

D-Link DIR-860L specifications

Body

The dimensions and design of a router can impact its cooling capabilities. Routers with larger dimensions may have more space for internal cooling mechanisms. The weight of router is not typically a critical factor for most home or office setups.

System

The D-Link DIR-860L router has a Broadcom BCM47081A0 @ 800 MHz processor. You cannot expand the router's memory (128 MB). When choosing a router, it is important to consider the RAM specifications. A larger flash memory allows for more space to store configuration backups. D-Link often releases firmware updates. They improve the router's features, security, and bugs. They also add new features. Using a custom OS on a router has benefits. But, it also has risks.

OpenWrt has a community that actively develops it. They continuously work on improving its security. The 12 V / 2 A PSU provides power to the router. If it breaks, you can replace it with a new one.

Network

The router supports many networking standards. It ensures compatibility with different devices and systems. The IPv4 is the fourth iteration of the Internet Protocol (IP). It is the most widely used version of IP on the internet today. The latest firmware supports IPv6. It provides a system to identify and locate computers on networks. The router has Gigabit Ethernet ports. They allow for faster communication between devices on your local network. A Gigabit WAN port is helpful. It is useful when your internet plan supports high speeds.

Wireless

This router has 4 x 2 dBi, internal antennas. Antennas are key parts of wireless routers. They send and receive radio signals to make wireless connections. Many IoT devices, smart home devices, and older Wi-Fi devices mainly use the 2.4 GHz band. The 5 GHz band is less crowded. This leads to less interference and a clearer wireless signal. The DIR-860L router is 5 GHz capable. This Wi-Fi router supports multiple spatial streams, typically up to 4 streams.

The top speed, 300 + 867 Mbps, is the highest data rate the router can reach. It's the theoretical limit in perfect conditions. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) provides an easy method. It connects devices to a Wi-Fi network.

Connectivity

The USB 3 ports provide a fast interface for external storage with data transfer rates of up to 4.8 Gbps. USB print servers let you connect a USB printer to your network. This makes it accessible to many devices. You can connect external storage devices such as USB flash drives or USB hard drives to your router.

Administration

Changing the password often is a good security practice. It protects your network and devices from unauthorized access. Changing the default password improves your router's security. It reduces the risk of unauthorized individuals controlling your network.

Pros and Cons

Every router, including this D-Link one, has its good sides and not-so-good sides. Let's take a closer look at both to get a full understanding of what this router can do. We'll talk about what it does well and also where it could use some improvements. Just remember, this is just what I think, and you might see things differently.

D-Link DIR-860L photos

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Robert Miller

For over 15 years, I've immersed myself in the world of networking devices as a tech aficionado. I've dedicated myself to thoroughly testing and analyzing routers and other networking gear. I aim to provide thorough reviews. They will give you the knowledge needed to improve your network.